This is a Sunshine 68.3 SFRD Rr-f20 No. 6007-6012 Dry Ice Reefer with four hinged doors.  SFRD black and white details.  This kit was introduced in 2004.

During the mid-thirties to the early fifties Sante Fe had dry ice hauling reefers.  These were some of the nation’s more unique cars. 

In the early thirties in Witt, New Mexico, dry ice became easily accessible  when a viable deposit of carbon dioxide was discovered.  Near Mountainair, New Mexico, a spur was built making easy access for the ATSF as well as the nation.  Thirteen RR-11 reefers were built with increased insulation and new interior compartments.  KC brakes were put on which lasted the entire life of the cars. 

Dry ice has a slower rate of evaporation and maintains a cooler temperature than water ice.  From fish to ice cream dry ice was useful to the manufacturing process as well as the laboratories.

Black paint and aluminum were used on the cars.  The ends started out aluminum and were later repainted black. 

The cars lasted until 1951.  The compartments of the cars were identified by their doors.  Three sliding doors were on number 6000.  Three hinged doors were on numbers 6001-6005.  Four hinged doors were on numbers 6007-6012,  To this day car number 6006 remains a mystery. 

Today dry ice is manufactured and continues to be used for food preservation.  It is also used in theatres for fog.  Plumbers use it for ice plugs.   It is also used to bait traps for mosquitoes and other insects.